West Virginia Department of Natural Resources holds lottery to help curb deer overpopulation

The West Virginia Department of National Resources is currently accepting applications to enter a lottery for the chance to win a deer hunting license in six state parks across West Virginia.

Department of Natural Resources District 1 wildlife biologist Steve Rauch explained how to join the lottery.

"You got onto wvhunt.com and you login under their DNR I.D. number to get into the system and then apply with the 'Enter Lottery' tab," said Rauch.

Applications are being accepted now through August 25th and on the 26th, winners names will be drawn.

The licenses are given to a select number of hunters who will have three days to hunt. This lottery happens annually to moderate the overpopulation of deer in state parks.

Many of the hunters in West Virginia choose to hunt on private grounds. Hunter and local business owner Freeland Miller say he will not be filing an application.

"No, I generally hunt on my own land in this part of the world, but I can see that it would be a good thing for the children to bring kids into it, where they don't have to worry so much about trespassing on a farmers property or neighboring property. That's the good thing about the state parks in the state," said Miller.

Miller says that licenses like these are perfect for teaching new hunters.

Miller showed 5 News some of the gear he recommended new hunters take with them.

"DNR in West Virginia requires four-hundred square inches of blaze orange. Whether it be a hat, vest, pants. But the minimum is 400," said Miller.

While 5 News was unable to find the number of licenses that will be given out this year, Rauch said the drawings happen annually, so if a hunter is not picked, they can try again next year.

The lottery will include licenses to Canaan Valley Resort in Tucker County and North Bend in Ritchie County.